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Maca

Uses

Botanical names:

Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

Parts Used & Where Grown

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable in the mustard family, related to radishes and turnips. Used as food and medicine in the Andes Mountains of Peru, it is not known to occur naturally anywhere else in the world. The four major cultivars of maca are red, black, cream, and purple; none has been definitely proven to be medicinally superior to any other.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for

Why

2 Stars

Low Libido

1,500 mg or 3,000 mg per day for 8 weeks

In a double-blind study, treatment with maca increased sexual desire in young and middle-aged men.

In a double-blind study, treatment with maca in the amount of 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg per day for 8 weeks increased sexual desire in young and middle-aged men. The mechanism of action of maca was not clear; it did not appear to be due to an increase in testosterone levels or to an improvement in mood.3

2 Stars

Male Infertility

1,500 to 3,000 mg daily

A small clinical trial found that healthy men who took dried maca powder had increased sperm counts and enhanced sperm motility.

A small clinical trial found that healthy men who took dried maca powder had increased sperm counts and enhanced sperm motility.4

2 Stars

Menopause

2.5 to 3 grams per day for 6 to 12 weeks

Traditionally used for balancing female hormones, maca appears to be beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been used traditionally for balancing female hormones. A review of randomized controlled trials concluded that maca appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The amount used in these studies was 2.5 to 3 grams per day for 6 to 12 weeks.5

1 Star

Stress

Refer to label instructions

Studies have shown that maca can reduce the negative effects of stress.

The herbs discussed here are considered members of a controversial category known as adaptogens, which are thought to increase the body's resistance to stress, and to generally enhance physical and mental functioning.6, 7 Many animal studies have shown that various herbal adaptogens have protective effects against physically stressful experiences,8, 9 but whether these findings are relevant to human stress experiences is debatable.

Animal studies have shown that maca can reduce the negative effects of stress; however, whether maca is effective in humans is unknown.10

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Maca root has been an important food for the native people in the Andes of Peru, including the Incas, for at least 2,000 years.1 It is eaten baked, dried, mixed with milk, or in a variety of other forms and dishes. It is also traditionally believed to enhance strength, endurance, libido, and fertility.2

How It Works

Botanical names:

Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

How It Works

Maca contains substantial quantities of protein, fat, fiber, and minerals including iron, which also contribute to its nutritional value. It also contains glucosinolates,11 the strong-smelling compounds that are responsible for the pungent smell and taste of mustard family plants. Neither these nor any other constituents in maca have definitively been shown to contribute to its actions.

Preliminary studies have shown that maca can increase libido in healthy men.12 It does this without influencing levels of testosterone or any other sex hormones.13 Healthy men who take maca have also been shown to have increased semen volume, increased sperm counts, and enhanced sperm motility.14

Numerous animal studies show that maca extracts can increase sex drive and improve fertility.15, 16, 17 Other studies support that it can relieve the negative effects of stress reactions.18 The red cultivar, though not the black or cream, also reduced enlarged prostates in rats.19

How to Use It

The amount used successfully in studies so far has been 500 to 1,000 mg three times per day of dried root powder in capsules.20

Interactions

Botanical names:

Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

Side Effects

Glucosinolates can cause goiter (swollen thyroid gland with decreased activity) if taken in excess combined with a low-iodine diet. Though this is documented to occur with other glucosinolate-rich foods, it is not known if maca causes goiter.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

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NOTICE: This health information was not created by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and may not necessarily reflect specific UMHS practices. For medical advice relating to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Complete disclaimer